Energy & Environment

Clearwater Paper Sponsors Trail Clean-up

SManger — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 17:10:56 +0000

Clearwater Paper Sponsors Trail Clean-up

SManger Wed, 10/30/2024 - 13:10

Clearwater Paper

Clearwater Paper sponsors part of the Spokane River Centennial Trail. Part of their Spokane team cleaned litter on their sponsored mile on Earth Day.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/clearwaterpaper_in-honor-of-earth-day-members-fr…

Industry Priorities

Sustainability

Energy & Environment

AF&PA Welcomes SCOTUS Ruling on Good Neighbor Ruling and Chevron Deference

CCozort — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 19:18:46 +0000

AF&PA Welcomes SCOTUS Ruling on Good Neighbor Ruling and Chevron Deference

CCozort Fri, 06/28/2024 - 15:18

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s recent decisions to stay the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Good Neighbor” plan and overturn the longstanding Chevron precedent:

“The U.S. Supreme Court rulings are significant for the U.S. pulp and paper industry. Without the stay, AF&PA members would have faced hundreds of millions in unrecoverable costs to comply with the Good Neighbor Plan while the litigation continues.

"This rule was based on controls that were neither proven nor cost-effective, and the Supreme Court ruling affirms that position.

"Furthermore, we appreciate the Supreme Court’s decision overruling Chevron as contrary to the U.S. Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act, as explained in our amicus brief with the American Farm Bureau Federation and others.

“We hope that this focus on courts’ constitutional role to interpret the law, while respecting agency expertise, will lay the foundation for sustainable regulation that withstands the test of time."

What is the Environmental Impact of the Paper Industry?

SManger — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 13:50:44 +0000

What is the Environmental Impact of the Paper Industry?

SManger Mon, 06/03/2024 - 09:50

Paper products and packaging are part of our daily lives. From tissues and paper towels to the absorbent pulp in diapers to cardboard boxes to boxes that package medicine and food.

Paper production requires resources like wood, recycled paper, water and energy. Here in the U.S., the paper industry is working hard to find ways to make production and our products more sustainable.

We answered some common questions about the U.S. paper industry and its environmental impact. Dive in to explore how our industry is committed to sustainable manufacturing practices.

Does the U.S. Paper Industry Contribute to Deforestation?

1 Billion +

trees are planted each year

No. The U.S. pulp and paper industry is not linked to global deforestation and forest degradation.

U.S. forests are strong and stable. More than 1 billion trees are replanted in the U.S. each year.

The U.S. paper industry is a responsible steward of our planet’s resources. We have a long history of sustainable forest management and innovation.

Our industry uses trees from working forests. These forests are continuously replanted, ensuring a healthy balance for the future.

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Explore How Working Forests Store Carbon

Learn More About Working Forests

How Does the U.S. Paper Industry Source its Wood Responsibly?

The industry prioritizes responsible wood sourcing. We do this in a few ways. Here's how:

Sustainable Fiber Procurement: AF&PA members adhere to sustainable fiber procurement principles as a condition of membership. Procurement is how our members get the wood they need to make the products we rely on.

These principles assure the suppliers our members source wood from are committed to sustainable forest management and harvesting practices.

Sustainable Forest Management Best Practices: We commit to sustainable forest management practices including:

Forest certification programs to provide standards, guidelines, and structure for sustainable forest management.
Fiber sourcing programs that are third-party verified and are recognized globally.

Complying with the Lacey Act: The Lacey Act combats illegal logging worldwide. It bans the import of wood, pulp and paper products that are sourced from illegally harvested forests. U.S. paper companies have to follow it.

Explore Our 2020 Forestry Goal Achievements

Check Out an Award-Winning Member Project

How Much Water is Used, and What Happens to it After Papermaking?

10x

The amount of times water can be reused

Water is an essential part of the pulp and papermaking process. The U.S. paper industry is committed to sustainable water management. Our members are continuously innovating to reduce and reuse water.

Most of the water gets returned to the environment, often cleaner than before! Water can be reused 10 times throughout the manufacturing process, saving tons of fresh water.

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Explore our Water Management 2030 Sustainability Goal

Dive into Green Bay Packaging’s Net-Zero Water Project

Is the Paper Industry a Responsible and Sustainable Manufacturer?

24% +

reduction in GHG emissions since 2005

Yes! The U.S. paper industry is a crucial part of the climate solution.

We took early, voluntary action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since 2005, AF&PA members have reduced GHG emissions by more than 24%. And they’ve committed to reducing GHG emissions by 50% by 2030!

We’ve also improved our energy efficiency by more than 13% since 2005. This is largely due to the increased use of renewable energy like biomass.

As part of our 2030 sustainability goals, we’re advancing a circular value chain through the production of renewable and recyclable products.

That includes increasing the percentage of our products that are recyclable or compostable. We’re also increasing the use of secondary materials like recycled paper and wood leftovers.

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Get a Closer Look at How Our Industry Achieves Sustainability

Get the Facts About Energy Use in the Paper Industry

Where Can I Learn More About the U.S. Paper Industry's Sustainability Efforts?

Learn more about our Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 sustainability initiative and our previous accomplishments.

Our industry takes the environmental impact of paper production seriously. Our members are leading the way towards a more sustainable future for paper through our commitment to responsible forestry, water management and reducing GHG emissions.

^{Photo credit: Domtar}

American Forest & Paper Association Sets Advocacy Agenda for 2024

SManger — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:40:50 +0000

American Forest & Paper Association Sets Advocacy Agenda for 2024

SManger Tue, 03/12/2024 - 08:40

Priorities Focus on Preserving American Manufacturing Through Reasonable and Sustainable Policies

WASHINGTON — The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) Board of Directors announced key advocacy priorities for 2024.

“The paper and wood products industry continues to strengthen its leadership in sustainability, safety and environmental stewardship, as evidenced by more than a decade of Better Practices, Better Planet sustainability achievements and our forward-looking 2030 commitments,” said Howard Coker, AF&PA Board Chair and Sonoco President and CEO.

"It is critical that both state and federal policies not jeopardize access to essential paper products or hinder countless modernization projects for our industry."

This year, several regulatory and policy challenges face both the paper and wood products industry and the U.S. manufacturing sector.

“The growing regulatory burden, including recent EPA air regulations, are threatening U.S. manufacturing jobs and the economy. Meanwhile extended producer responsibility policies and the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation stand to impede our focus on a circular value chain,” said Heidi Brock, AF&PA President and CEO.

Brock continued, “As a condition of membership, AF&PA members are committed to sustainable forest management and sourcing wood fiber from responsibly managed forests. Our industry champions sustainable practices, like the use of renewable biomass energy."

"We believe all Americans benefit when policies are both achievable and sustainable, with the ultimate goal of preserving access to the paper-based products people need and use every day around the world.”

Learn More About AF&PA’s Policy Priorities

Become a People for Paper and Packaging Advocate

Sign-up for our Newsletter AF&PA Delivered

Facts About Energy Use and the Paper Industry

SManger — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 14:52:12 +0000

Facts About Energy Use and the Paper Industry

SManger Tue, 02/20/2024 - 09:52

Advancing Sustainability Through Energy Efficiency

The paper industry plays a vital role in our daily lives. Paper is all around us in our homes, schools and offices. It’s a product to feel good about because the industry has taken steps to advance sustainability through energy efficiency.

Understanding Energy Consumption in the Paper Industry

Purchased energy is the 3rd largest operating cost for the paper and wood products industry.

Purchased energy is when a company or person gets their electricity, heat, cooling, etc. from an outside source. For our industry, it includes all fuels, electricity and steam purchased from other providers.

One of our industry’s fundamental energy management goals has been to increase energy efficiency to use less energy overall.

For starters, it helps to know the stages involved in paper production. Let's break it down:

Sourcing Raw Materials: The paper industry uses wood fiber from sustainably managed forests and recycled paper fibers to make new products.

Pulp and Paper Manufacturing: Making pulp and paper involves several energy-intensive processes, such as pulping and drying. Today, advances in technology have led to substantial energy efficiency improvements.

Does the Paper Industry Use A Lot of Energy?

58%

of electricity was self-generated in 2020

Energy consumption is part of making paper. The industry is continuously working to increase energy efficiency.

In 2020, AF&PA member pulp and paper mills self-generated 58% of the electricity needed to power their mills. Primarily through use of biomass energy.

New technologies and innovation have significantly improved energy consumption and helped the industry advance its sustainability goals.

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Advances in Energy Efficiency by Paper Industry

The forest products industry was one of the first manufacturing industries to set quantifiable sustainability goals. Improving energy efficiency was one of those goals.

AF&PA members surpassed their goal for energy efficiency by reducing purchased energy by more than 13% between 2005 and 2020.

Here are some notable initiatives our industry took to reduce our energy use:

Investing to upgrade equipment used in manufacturing operations. Things like upgrading drying sections and digesters.
Replacing energy equipment with newer, more efficient ones that use cleaner fuel sources.
Using technologies such as combined heat and power, which produce electricity and heat from a single energy source.
Using renewable energy, including biomass. This is left over materials from the manufacturing process like tree bark, saw dust and liquid biomass.
Switching to LED lighting to reduce electricity consumption.

See What’s Next for Our Sustainability Goals!

AF&PA has 5 quantifiable sustainability goals that the industry aims to meet by 2030. Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 is a voluntary industry initiative that builds on decades of success to advance sustainable products for a sustainable future.

Reduce GHG emissions by 50% by 2030
Advance a circular value chain through the production of renewable and recyclable products
Advance more resilient U.S. forests

Dive into our goals

Explore How the Forest Products Industry is Advancing Sustainability

Is the Paper Industry Sustainable?

How the Paper Industry Champions Sustainable Forestry

Understanding the Circular Economy and the Forest Products Industry

Forest Products Industry Testifies in Support of Legislative Action to Improve Air Quality Standards

SManger — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 19:09:37 +0000

Forest Products Industry Testifies in Support of Legislative Action to Improve Air Quality Standards

SManger Thu, 02/15/2024 - 14:09

WASHINGTON – On behalf of the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) and American Wood Council (AWC), public policy expert Paul Noe testified today before the House Energy and Commerce Committee examining the need for legislative action to modernize U.S. air quality programs. AF&PA President & CEO Heidi Brock and AWC President & CEO Jackson Morrill issued the following joint statement after today’s Congressional hearing:

“The evolving and uncertain regulatory burden is at odds with the goal of modernizing and growing U.S. manufacturing. We support the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s work to develop legislation that would greatly improve the NAAQS program and permitting process.

"The forest products industry has a long track record of investing in the modernization of our mills to further reduce emissions and support sustainable manufacturing operations. Recent rulemakings risk stopping these projects in their tracks, like the recent particulate matter standard.

“Furthermore, communities will not truly benefit until the 84% of particulate matter emissions that come from other sources – such as wildfires and road dust – are addressed.

“Unfortunately, this is only the tip of the regulatory iceberg. If we don’t change our trajectory, we will see a net loss for our mills, our employees and the environment. It is imperative the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the White House and Congress strike a balance that achieves sustainable regulations while supporting American manufacturing.”

AF&PA and AWC Respond to EPA’s PM NAAQS Rule

TEbner — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 12:58:08 +0000

AF&PA and AWC Respond to EPA’s PM NAAQS Rule

TEbner Wed, 02/07/2024 - 07:58

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock and American Wood Council (AWC) President and CEO Jackson Morrill responded to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of an updated National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM2.5), which lowers the standard to 9 µg/m3.

“EPA’s rule delivers a devastating blow to U.S. manufacturing and the economy while doing nothing to address the largest sources of particulate matter, including wildfire smoke. This unworkable air rule undermines President Biden's promise to grow and reshore manufacturing jobs.

"We are very concerned that many of the modernization projects in the paper and wood products industry and across U.S. manufacturing will no longer be able to move forward.

"The new rule defies common sense. This Administration has set the PM2.5 NAAQS at near background levels, ensuring permit gridlock for most manufacturing sectors around the country, while failing to address 84% of overall PM2.5 emissions.

"Essential projects that would reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions, create high-paying jobs and allow us to compete in the global economy are now severely at risk. Our industry has demonstrated a continued commitment to be a good steward and community partner. We need sustainable regulation to make environmental progress and keep vital manufacturing jobs in America.

“AF&PA and AWC joined leaders from over 70 other U.S. manufacturing and trade groups urging the Administration to maintain the existing standard. We also delivered a joint CEO letter to White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients signed by 44 of our members from the paper and wood products industry. These letters reflect the importance of this issue not only for our industry but for the economic prosperity of America.

"The EPA must immediately reconsider the PM NAAQS and set a 3-year effective date. We want to work with the Biden Administration on a practical implementation plan that avoids some of the worst impacts of this unsustainable rule."

What is Biomass Energy?

SManger — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 18:42:37 +0000

What is Biomass Energy? 

SManger Wed, 11/29/2023 - 13:42

The paper and wood products industry is part of a circular value chain that prides itself on sustainable practices. We’re a crucial part of the climate solution.

One of the ways we’re doing that is through the production of carbon beneficial and renewable biomass energy. Then we use that biomass energy to fuel our mills to displace the use of fossil fuels.

Let’s dive into what biomass energy is and how our industry uses it in manufacturing.

What is Biomass Energy?

Different groups use a variety of definitions, some wider and some narrower. For our purposes, biomass is organic plant material from forests.

Biomass energy is when you can use that organic plant material from forests as fuel to create heat and power.

How is Biomass Energy Used by the Paper and Wood Products Industry?

We use biomass energy to replace fossil fuels

Our industry uses every part of the trees possible so that nothing goes to waste. For our industry, biomass energy comes from the leftover parts of the tree that could otherwise go to landfills. Things like branches, bark and chips.

We use biomass energy to replace fossil fuels when creating the heat and power needed to manufacture our products. The things you use every day like paper, packaging, tissue and wood products like the lumber in your house.

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Is the Paper Industry Cutting Down Trees for Biomass Energy?

No. We use the leftover parts of the tree that could otherwise go to landfills to create biomass energy. Things like bark, branches and liquid bioenergy extracted from wood chips while manufacturing pulp for paper products.

The paper and wood products industry then uses every part of the tree possible in our manufacturing process, so nothing goes to waste.

From the log to create lumber and other wood products, to the leftover chips that are used in pulp and paper products.

The log goes on to create products like lumber, furniture, paper and packaging. Anything remaining is converted to biomass energy used to power the mills.

Where Does the Paper Industry Get Trees for Products?

90%

of wood is sourced from private, sustainably managed working forests

The paper industry uses trees from healthy, managed working forests where harvesting of trees is permitted. We source our trees from two types of working forests:

Private Working Forests
Public Working Forests

The vast majority of our country’s working forests are on private land. These are owned by individuals, families, small and large businesses. Many of these forests have been in families for generations.

Trees on working forests are replanted and grown again while protecting the ecosystem of the forest. Careful harvesting and planting ensure there are forests for decades to come.

90% of the wood that is used to produce the essential paper and wood products that Americans use every day is sourced from private, sustainably managed working forests.

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Does the Paper Industry Cause Deforestation?

1/3

of the U.S. is forested, totaling 766 million acres

Our industry is a leader in promoting sustainable forest management. Forests in the U.S. are strong. In the U.S., more than 1 billion trees are planted each year. One-third of the nation is forested, totaling nearly 766 million acres.

Deforestation is the permanent conversion of forests to other uses like new housing developments or agriculture. Harvesting is the removal of trees, but it is not the permanent conversion of a forest.

As a condition of membership, AF&PA members commit to sustainable forest management and sourcing wood from responsibly managed working forests.

The U.S. grows twice the volume of trees than is harvested. And, about 2% of working forests are harvested each year. More forestland in the U.S., both working and non-working, is disturbed by natural events like insects, disease and fire than is harvested.

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How is Biomass Energy Helping Capture Carbon?

Forests are one of the single greatest carbon storage technologies on the planet.

And as those trees mature, they suck carbon out of the atmosphere and store that very same carbon in the products we make. A whole lot of it. American forests, for instance, offset about 13% of U.S. carbon emissions annually.

That means biomass energy is helping take more carbon out of the atmosphere than it emits.

This makes it a much cleaner and more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels like coal.

Is Biomass Energy Renewable and Sustainable?

Yes, biomass energy created by the paper and wood products industry is renewable and sustainable. For an energy source to be renewable, it needs to come from a source that is non-exhaustible or can be replenished continuously.

Our industry uses every part of the tree in our manufacturing process. We use the leftovers from the tree like bark, liquid bioenergy, and branches to create biomass energy.

We source our trees from sustainably and responsibly managed working forests to manufacture essential products. Those forests are healthy, growing and helping to capture carbon.

Trees on working forests are replanted and grown again while protecting the ecosystem of the forest. Careful harvesting and planting ensures there are forests for decades to come. This cycle is done through long-term and continuous planning.

About 2% of working forests are harvested each year. More forestland in the U.S., both working and non-working, is disturbed by natural events like insects, disease and fire than is harvested.

How our industry uses biomass energy is also sustainable. About two-thirds of the energy used by paper and wood products mills is generated from biomass energy. We also sell power, called bioelectricity, to the grid.

The sustainable use of biomass energy to power paper mills reduces greenhouse gas emissions and our reliance on fossil fuels.

Our use of biomass energy prevents about 181 million metric tons of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere each year. That’s roughly equal to removing 35 million cars from the road.

We’ve also decreased our greenhouse gas emissions by more than 24% since 2005. That was accomplished in part by using biomass energy.

Does that Mean Biomass Energy is Carbon Neutral?

Yes, biomass energy is carbon neutral.

Repeated studies, agencies, institutions, policies and virtually every country around the world recognize the carbon neutrality of the biomass energy produced by the paper and wood products industry.

How the Paper Industry Champions Sustainable Forestry

Is the Paper Industry Sustainable?

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Paper Manufacturing

Industry CEOs Warn of Dire Economic Consequences from Proposed NAAQS Standards

TEbner — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 15:18:48 +0000

Industry CEOs Warn of Dire Economic Consequences from Proposed NAAQS Standards

TEbner Wed, 11/01/2023 - 11:18

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock today joined leaders of over 70 other trade groups representing diverse businesses across the economy in urging the Biden administration to maintain the existing National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). In a letter to White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, the organizations warned that moving forward with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed revisions would jeopardize American jobs and risk substantial economic harm.

The proposed revisions to the standard “would risk jobs and livelihoods by making it even more difficult to obtain permits for new factories, facilities, and infrastructure to power economic growth,” the groups wrote. “This proposal would also threaten successful implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the important clean energy provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. Our members have innovated and worked with regulators to significantly lower PM2.5 emissions and further progress is being made as part of the energy transition investments.”

The letter emphasized the effectiveness of the current standards which have led to a 42 percent decline in PM2.5 concentrations since 2000, according to government data. In fact, the EPA reaffirmed only two years ago that the current standards are protective of public health and the environment. Now, without significant new health information, the agency is proposing revisions that will have dramatic effects on the U.S. economy.

A recent Oxford Economic analysis commissioned by the National Association of Manufacturers found that the proposed standard would reduce U.S. GDP by nearly $200 billion and cost as many as one million American jobs through 2031.

“Lowering the current standard so dramatically would create a perverse disincentive for American investment,” the letter reads. “EPA’s proposal could force investment in new facilities to foreign countries with less stringent air standards, thereby undermining the Administration’s economic and environmental goals. We urge you to ensure EPA maintains the existing fine particulate matter standards to ensure both continued environmental protection and economic growth.”

Read the Full Letter

Why EPA Should Not Finalize the Particulate Matter NAAQS Standard

SManger — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:16:41 +0000

Why EPA Should Not Finalize the Particulate Matter NAAQS Standard

SManger Fri, 10/27/2023 - 09:16

The Need for Sustainable and Achievable Regulations

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) helps set national standards and guidelines to protect the environment. All Americans benefit when the EPA develops achievable rules and regulations.

We have a shared goal of sustainable regulation. In fact, we have a long track record of success working with the EPA to create achievable rules.

EPA is proposing an update to their National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter, PM2.5. However, their proposal threatens manufacturing industries. Let’s explore why.

What is Fine Particulate Matter?

Fine particulate matter is made up of a mixture of tiny particles in the air. It includes things like dust, smoke, dirt, soot and exhaust fumes.

Fine particulate matter comes from many different sources like:

Wildfires
Road dust
Vehicle exhaust
Industrial facilities

Are Levels of Fine Particulate Matter Increasing or Decreasing?

The U.S. enjoys some of the cleanest air in the world today. Ambient air levels of PM 2.5 have been trending downward over the past 20 years.

Levels will continue declining due to other requirements that already exist.

What is the PM2.5 NAAQS Proposed Rule?

The proposed rule for PM2.5 NAAQS will further tighten the air quality standard for fine particulate matter.

The current standard for PM2.5 NAAQS is 12 ug/m3. This leaves room for economic growth and development, including modernization projects at our mills.

The proposed rule could tighten the standard close to average ambient air background levels, which are around 8 ug/m3. Background levels mean the average air quality from both natural and manmade sources.

How Do Modernization Projects Get Permits?

The purpose of a permit is to make sure a new manufacturing modernization project doesn’t exceed the standard. A project receives a permit when there is sufficient “headroom” to allow the project.

Headroom is the difference between the standard and the background level that’s already in the air, including from natural sources like wildfires and road dust.

Under the current PM NAAQS standard, the typical headroom available for a new project is about 3 to 6 micrograms (ug). An average project adds around 3 ug. If you subtract the standard, 12 ug, from the current background levels, 8 ug, that gives you 4 ug.

A modernization project of 3 ug could proceed because it’s less than 4 ug. If it’s more than 4 ug, the project doesn’t receive a permit.

How Does the Proposed PM2.5 Rule Affect the Paper Industry?

The maps show how lowering the standard shrinks the attainment areas. An attainment area is a location that meets the national air quality standard. Green shows what is in attainment and has sufficient headroom for a permit to allow mill modernization projects.

Red shows nonattainment areas, or locations that don’t meet the standard. Finally, pink shows other cleaner areas that are in attainment, but lack permit headroom for modernization projects to proceed.

Many of our paper mills are located in cleaner, attainment areas under the current standard. This allows modernization projects to receive a permit.

Any lowering of the standard will result in more non-attainment areas in the U.S. This would threaten many manufacturing industries, including the paper industry.

What’s concerning for paper mills is that many would now be in the pink area and would often not be able to get permits. Lowering the standard would threaten or prevent modernization projects and other major improvements to paper mills.

As our industry modernizes paper mills, we’re improving air quality.

Modernization projects help provide lower emissions per ton of production. That includes reductions in particulate matter, greenhouse gases, and other emissions.

This standard would also undermine the Biden Administration’s promise to grow and reshore U.S. manufacturing jobs. We need to be able to modernize our facilities so we can keep high-paying manufacturing jobs in the U.S.

What has the Paper Industry Done to Decrease Emissions?

Our industry is a leader in sustainability, and we are rooted in sustainable practices. Paper manufacturers work hard to be a good neighbor and environmental steward in communities across our nation.

Our facilities have made substantial progress in reducing our emissions. The paper industry has state-of-the-art air pollution controls on their facilities.

We are less than 1% of the overall PM2.5 emissions. We have decreased our nitrogen oxide emissions by about 50% and our sulfur dioxide emissions by more than 80% since 2000.

Some of the larger sources of particulate matter in the air are wildfires, dust and exhaust. The PM NAAQS rule does not address these larger sources.

Particulate matter emissions from industrial facilities will continue to go down in the years ahead under current air quality programs.

See our progress in reducing GHG emissions

What Are the Largest Sources of Fine Particulate Matter?

Fine particulate matter comes from many different sources. Some of the larger sources include:

Wildfires
Dust
Exhaust fumes

Currently, the proposed PM2.5 rule does not account for these sources of particulate matter. And these sources of fine particulate matter directly impact public health.

Stationary sources included in the PM2.5 rule, which includes industrial facilities like paper mills, account for less than 20% of overall particulate matter emissions.

Those emissions will continue to go down under current air quality programs.

Wildfire smoke is one of the leading causes of particulate matter in the air.

Lowering the standard could prevent foresters and landowners from being able to use prescribed fires to prevent wildfires.

One of the best ways to manage and prevent wildfires is prescribed fires. They are planned fires that help meet sustainable forest management goals.

If larger sources of particulate matter are not addressed, then air quality will still be affected.

What Would Help the Paper Industry Meet the PM2.5 NAAQS Standard?

We sent a letter to the White House outlining our concerns with the proposed PM NAAQS standard. Additionally, along with 70 other manufacturing organizations, we warned of the economic consequences the proposed standard would cause.

The EPA needs to develop an implementation plan before finalizing this rule so our industry has a clear path to achieve it.

Currently, the proposed rule uses unrealistic modeling to determine what ambient air quality levels are. A plan based on sound science needs to rely on realistic modeling that accurately reflects real-world conditions.

And, by allowing modernization projects to proceed, we can continue to work to decrease our emissions.

We welcome the opportunity to work together on an efficient implementation plan.

Explore How the Paper Industry is Embracing Sustainability

Sustainability

Energy & Environment

Energy & Environment

Clearwater Paper Sponsors Trail Clean-up

AF&PA Welcomes SCOTUS Ruling on Good Neighbor Ruling and Chevron Deference

What is the Environmental Impact of the Paper Industry?

American Forest & Paper Association Sets Advocacy Agenda for 2024

Learn More About AF&PA’s Policy Priorities

Become a People for Paper and Packaging Advocate

Sign-up for our Newsletter AF&PA Delivered

Facts About Energy Use and the Paper Industry

Is the Paper Industry Sustainable?

How the Paper Industry Champions Sustainable Forestry

Understanding the Circular Economy and the Forest Products Industry

Forest Products Industry Testifies in Support of Legislative Action to Improve Air Quality Standards

AF&PA and AWC Respond to EPA’s PM NAAQS Rule

What is Biomass Energy?

How the Paper Industry Champions Sustainable Forestry

Is the Paper Industry Sustainable?

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Paper Manufacturing

Industry CEOs Warn of Dire Economic Consequences from Proposed NAAQS Standards

Why EPA Should Not Finalize the Particulate Matter NAAQS Standard

See How We're a Leader in Sustainable Practices

Explore our 2030 Sustainability Goals

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Paper Manufacturing

Is the Paper Industry Sustainable?